Muscat: The Bank of Beirut Challenger Cup 2012 is all set to begin at the Shangri La Resort & Spa tennis court from Thursday.

The 7-leg, four division tournament is organised by NT Sports and Alex Tennis School (ATS) with the support of the Oman Tennis Association. The tournament which is primarily for U-12, U-14 (both girls and boys) will be held until May 2013.

"Playing sports as a child is one of life's abiding memories," said Ramy Zambarakji, the Managing Director of Bank of Beirut, Oman during a media briefing.

"Sports play a major part in the development of personal abilities and ethics in society. We believe that taking part in a tournament extends well beyond physical activities and enriches many other parts of a child's life. It helps them hone their physical skills and improve their social values. It also gives them a chance to learn something they can enjoy for the rest of their lives," Ramy added.

According to Basim Al Riyami, chief executive of NT Sports an imitative such as this would help the young players in the country. "This is a great initiative and I am sure it will help these young players. It will be a good exposure to them," he said.

Alexander Tvaliashvili of ATS said all the players will be ranked on a monthly basis with medals for winners and runners-up in each leg.

The sponsorship of the Challenger Cup reasserts Bank of Beirut's commitment to the development of sports, for both children and adults, in Oman. "The aim of this tournament is to promote an early start to healthy habits, help children develop physical skills and boost their personal confidence. It will attract young players and their parents to a sport they can learn and enjoy together," Ramy noted.

The championship kicked off with a registration event at the Bank of Beirut Al Ghubra Office, yesterday. W.H. Smith will be the associate sponsor while Shangri La Resort & Spa will be the venue sponsor.